Best Web Novel Recommendations: Classics and the Must-Reads
As a hardcore web novel reader who’s plunged himself into countless nights of binge-reading, I’ve created this list to put a spotlight over the finest web novels out there. You know, those super memorable ones that I can’t help but recommend.
From immortal sagas to high-stakes revenge stories, this recommendation list has it all. What’s more? Well, I’ve read each one and promise only the best stories out there. Without further ado, let’s check these classics.
My Top 15 Web Novels You Must Read
- Kidnapped Dragons
- My House of Horrors
- The Desolate Era
- World of Cultivation
- Game of the World Tree
- Release that Witch
- Lord of Mysteries
- The Second Coming of Gluttony
- Eight Treasures Trousseau
- Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint
- Warlock of the Magus World
- The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage
- I Shall Seal the Heavens
- A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation
- Trash of the Count’s Family
1. Kidnapped Dragons
Yu Jitae has seen the world end multiple times. Not by human hands, but through the wrath of dragons. He has tried to prevent it multiple times, only to fail. The cause of it all? A bunch of humanoid, love-deprived teenage dragons.
Thus, on his seventh iteration, he has made a choice. His plan? To nurture and guide these troubled dragonlings into becoming compassionate protectors, all to save Earth. But can a sarcastic and unfeeling regressor like him do the job?
My Rating: I might be biased, but Kidnapped Dragons is one of the best web novels I’ve read in the last few years. It boasts top-tier character arcs, an emotional plot, and immersive world-building.
But what makes it stand out is its characters and their depth. It’s one of those rare stories that made me care for its cast so hard. Enjoyment-wise, this masterful tale deserves a 10/10.
2. My House of Horrors
With his parent’s horror house about to be closed down because of lack of visitors, Chen Ge teeters on the edge of despair. After all, it’s the only thing his parents have entrusted to him after going missing.
But one fateful night, a mysterious message flickers on his parent’s old phone. The problem? It’s asking him to fight off ghosts. Real ones.
My Rating: My House of Horrors reigns as one of the top web novels all new readers must read. It stands tall with its gripping pacing, intense supernatural twists, and complex world-building.
Its horror factor? Five stars! If you enjoy game systems and scary novels, then this tale won’t disappoint. Overall, this tale deserves a 9/10 and a must-read stamp.
3. The Desolate Era
Haunted by an incurable disease, Ji Ning has endured a life of agony. But instead of mopping and raising his fist to the heavens, he refuses to give up on his last remaining days.
In his final act, he creates a foundation to support children like him. Little does he know, such deeds will soon grant him a chance to reincarnate. But unlike in his previous life, he now has a robust body and a warm family.
My Rating: The Desolate Era ranks among the best web novels in the xianxia genre. It boasts flawless pacing, enthralling character arcs, and striking world-building. It’s one of those stories that I can’t help but reread from time to time.
Anyway, if you love intense, progression-focused cultivation fantasy, this epic tale is a must-read. Overall, I’ll give this my 9/10.
4. World of Cultivation
Zou Mo Ge is no ordinary Wu Kong Sword Sect disciple. He is an infamous miser feared throughout his entire sect. As proof of his greediness, people even call him the Scalping Zombie.
Still, behind his fierce title lies an iron will. His goal? Earn every penny in the cultivation world and prevent robbers from hounding him. And yes, that’s the reason he cultivates. What’s wrong with that, right?
My Rating: World of Cultivation deserves a solid 9/10 and a must-read stamp. This tale has reached my top web novel list through well-written prose and intriguing character arcs.
And unlike its counterparts, the main character’s greedy personality doesn’t appear edgy. Instead, it makes the story even funnier. My only issue with this cultivation web novel is its lackluster ending. How do I say this? I wished it had more chapters.
5. Game of the World Tree
A thousand years ago, the War of the Gods shattered the World Tree, leading to the swift downfall of the Elven civilization. Now, after a millennium, a new World Tree emerges. The twist? She’s a reincarnator.
Taking over the seat of the Yggdrasil, she must now push for the rise of the Elven race to survive. Thus, she calls upon gamers from Earth to join her cause through a so-called advanced VR game. Of course, we all know how crazy gamers can get, right?
My Rating: Game of the World Tree is a top web novel worthy of my 10/10. Quality-wise, it has solid plot arcs, immersive pacing, and comedic characters. Not just that, it also boasts its fair share of epic moments.
If you like kingdom-building novels spiced with gaming humor, then you’re going to love this tale. I recommend this story to all fans of Ready Player One.
6. Release that Witch
Chen Yan is a world-weary engineer drowning in deadlines and mechanical designs. Unfortunately, he soon meets his end from overwork. Fate, however, has a grander plan for him. Instead of death, he transmigrates into the body of a disgraced prince named Roland.
The punchline? With his engineering prowess and princely authority, he embarks on crafting a great kingdom the likes of which this world has never seen. Daunting? Yes, but with a team of magical witches to help him. It might just be possible.
My Rating: I’ll give Release That Witch a solid 9/10 and a must-read stamp. This cookie excels as a technology-meets-medieval web novel. It also has a guilty-pleasure plotline, vibrant characters, and solid world-building.
If you’re looking for one of the best web novels in the kingdom-building genre, then this might be your cup of tea. Just a fair warning: it’s a harem.
7. Lord of Mysteries
What will you do if you suddenly wake up with a hole in your head? Well, that’s the first thing Zhou Mingrui faces after he transmigrates into Klein Moretti’s body.
Not only that, it seems like a secretive organization is hot on his trail. Their goals? No one knows, but he must swiftly learn his way in this strange world.
My Rating: Funny, but the entire web novel community might riot if Lord of Mysteries isn’t on this web novel list. After all, this might be the best web novel out there. It’s a 10/10 masterpiece. It’s so popular it earned itself an anime adaptation.
Quality-wise, it stands out with its Victorian-era world-building, eldritch mystery plot, and gripping character. Its cascading pacing also leaves readers breathless. If there’s one web novel you must read, this is my top and foremost recommendation.
8. The Second Coming of Gluttony
Seol Jihu’s gambling addiction has destroyed everything. He is now a husk of his once bright self. Overwhelmed by regret, he flees into a magical fantasy world to repay all his debts, only to perish steeped in sorrow.
Yet, fate grants him a unique opportunity. Not another regression or a complete restart, but the ability to channel his regrets and emotions to his past self. Thus, begins his story of redemption and growth.
My Rating: The Second Coming of Gluttony is a must-read heroic epic worthy of a 9/10. It grips readers with its deep character arcs, immersive characters, and unexpectedly rewarding pay-offs.
Yes, its plotline is filled with tropes, but the author executed it well. I might be biased, but this cookie deserves a place among the top web novels out there.
9. Eight Treasures Trousseau
Everyone was shocked when Xian Junwang, the most eligible man in the city, married the scandalous daughter of Yi’an Marquis. Who can blame them? It’s like a toad trying to eat a swan.
But destiny has a far better plan. After all, the marquis’ daughter isn’t what the rumors seem to be. She has a secret—she is a transmigrator.
My Rating: I’ve read hundreds of historical romance stories, but Eight Treasures Trousseau stands above them all. This cookie offers a scheme-filled plot, fluid pacing, and intriguing characters.
How good is it? Well, I’m not a fan of this genre, but it had me reading through the night. Yes, it’s just that well-written. Quality-wise, this top web novel deserves a 10/10 and my all-out recommendation. I mean, if that even matters.
10. Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint
Life is hard for a corporate cog like Kim Dokja. After all, he suffers from repetitive days of waking up, riding the train, and getting shout at work. His only escape is reading a failed two-thousand-chapter novel during his train rides.
Then, out of nowhere, the apocalypse arrives, uprooting civilization as he knows it. The twist? Strange, but it follows the same plot as his favorite trashy web novel.
My Rating: No bull, Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint is one of the best web novels to ever grace my reading list. This tale just hooks you into a world of infinite possibilities. Whether it’s about the gods, towers, demons, myths, eldritch stuff; this tale has it all.
The best of it all? It also has immersive character progression, high-stakes pacing, and stunning world-building. I swear, reading it has thrown me onto a rollercoaster of emotions. Just two words: binge now. Overall, I’ll give this tale my 10/10.
11. Warlock of the Magus World
A lot of us dream of transmigrating into a magical world. But what if such a world isn’t the fairy tale you’re imagining? Instead, it’s a savage land where the rule of the jungle reigns.
Well, that’s what Leylin is about to confront. Armed with a mysterious chip from the modern world, he sets out to unravel the mysteries of this land. His goal? Transcend even if it means using ruthless experiments to forge his path.
My Rating: Warlock of the Magus World commands a 9/10 and a must-read stamp. It grips readers with its seamless pacing, villainous main character, and evolution-type system.
If you’re looking for a top web novel with a blend of magic and science, then this is for you. A word of caution: this xuanhuan web novel isn’t for the squeamish and prude.
12. The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage
Empress Shen Miao has suffered the unbearable loss of her father, son, and daughter. The cause of it all? The betrayal of the man whom she trusted with all she had—the emperor.
Thus, with her dying breath, she swears vengeance. Moved by her plight, fate grants her a chance to regress. Her goal? Wield the hammer of justice and crush her two-faced betrayers, one scheme at a time.
My Rating: I’ve not a super fan of romance web novels, but The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage is one of the few exceptions. This goodie’s MC isn’t another pushover Mary Sue. No, she is sharp, strategic, and complex.
The best of it all? It boasts a sleek pace, high-stakes revenge plot, and deep character arcs. If you’re searching for the best web novel in the revenge romance genre, this story is a top contender. Overall, it deserves a 10/10.
13. I Shall Seal the Heavens
Crushed after failing the imperial exam, Meng Hao retreats to his village, his aspirations of becoming a noble official shattered. Yet, a fateful meeting with a bunch of immortals shifts his goals anew.
One step at a time, he climbs the ladder of cultivation with all he has. His goal? Reach immortality and live a life of his choice. And oh, I almost forgot, earn money. Lots of it.
My Rating: I Shall Seal the Heavens secures a robust 8/10. Quality-wise, this is one of the best web novels in the cultivation genre. It’s a classic hero’s journey that just grips you, one chapter at a time.
As for its weakness, it occasionally suffers from wordy passages lacking depth. It’s not bad if you’re just a new reader, but if you’ve already read high-quality prose from other novelists, you might find it jarring.
14. A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation
Seo Eun-hyeon is stuck in a miserable office job, but a sudden event sends him and his coworkers to a mysterious cultivation world. Unfortunately, unlike his exceptionally talented peers, he lacks the gift of pursuing immortality.
So, time passes, and he finds himself old and dying. An old man filled with regret. The hook? Well, instead of death, he soon finds himself back at the start of it all. It seems like his gift isn’t a super cultivation talent. Instead, it’s the power of infinite regression.
My Rating: A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation scores a flawless 10/10. Yes, this top web novel is a must-read masterpiece, a must-read for all xianxia fans.
It has a sleek narrative arc, immersive character arcs, and a high-stakes time-looping plot. Reading it feels like you’re watching a snowball that keeps getting bigger and bigger. So yeah, it’s intense.
15. Trash of the Count’s Family
Kim Rok Soo’s tiresome and repetitive life flips when he suddenly finds himself transmigrated into a novel. No, not as some heaven-dying villain or a bright hero. Instead, he has taken over Cale Henituse, the spoiled drunkard son of a Count.
Tired of it all? He wants no more trouble. His only wish? To live a carefree, laid-back life. But when has fate ever indulged the desires of not-so cooperative transmigrators?
My Rating: Trash of the Count’s Family earns a solid 9/10. This top web novel weaves tropes into an irresistible plot. But what makes it stand out is the hilarious misunderstandings and witty character interactions.
So, if you seek a story about an MC transported into a novel, check this out. How do I say this? It’s a well-written story with a pacing so good it is hard to put down.
Final Thoughts About These Best Web Novels
I have been binge-reading web novels for more than a decade, and the stories on this list are among the best web novels I’ve read throughout that time. But just a heads up, this isn’t an exhaustive list, and I might have missed some stories out there. So, forgive me if I forgot some of your personal favorites.
Anyway, I have seen how it slowly grew from a small internet community into a rising niche of its own. And I can only hope it’ll grow more and better. Damn, writing this makes me feel old, so let’s get this over with. Enjoy the read and see you on my next list.